You might be surprised to discover that The Boathouse, a pretty riverside pub with gardens, rooms and countryside views on the banks of the River Avon – a lovely rustic setting if ever there was one –  is literally only a few minutes away from the myriad delights the World Heritage City of Bath.  We say, you can have your cake (salt & vinegar battered fish & chips/steak/burger/nourish bowl) and eat it!

Sit out in the grassy riverbank beer garden or inside in the atmospheric pub – complete with wood-panelled rooms, leather armchairs and woodburners – to enjoy good classic pub food including Sunday roasts (see the menus) and a glass or two of their own-brewed Badger Beer. Hall & Woodhouse pubs are renowned for both.

The Boathouse would make a very handy base to see the city; with regular buses from the nearby Park & Ride, it couldn’t be easier or quicker to get in and out.  You could be sightseeing/shopping by day and watching the sun go down over the hills and river by night, before sloping off to bye byes in one of nine light and airy ensuite rooms – most of them with gorgeous river and countryside views.

If you’re coming from Bath and want to escape the city bustle, we reckon it could become your go-to pub for instant bucolic bliss.

They always have lots of great offers on food and stays, so bookmark their page.

And did we mention dogs are welcome?

Opening hours: Mon to Thurs 8am – 10pm; Fri & Sat 8am – 10.30pm; Sun 8am – 10pm. Food service: Mon to Fri 8am – 8.30pm; Sat 8am – 9pm; Sun 8pm – 7pm.